Fairfax County defines short-term lodging as occupancy for fewer than 30 days. Its FAQ says owners and tenants may qualify to operate short-term lodging in their homes when the home is their primary residence, established by living there for at least 185 days in a calendar year. A tenant also needs the owner’s consent under the County’s stated conditions.
The County prohibits short-term lodging in detached accessory structures, accessory living units, affordable dwelling units, and workforce dwelling units. It also states that a short-term-lodging permit does not authorize creation of an accessory living unit. The two approvals must not be confused: a lodging permit cannot serve as zoning or building approval for a separate unit.
Check the correct permit and dwelling status
Confirm whether the property and unit are in Fairfax County and identify the unit’s approved classification. Check zoning, building and occupancy records, then review the County’s current short-term-lodging permit requirements. If the intended use is a long-term rental, check that path separately; the short-term-lodging FAQ does not decide long-term tenancy permission.
The page is general County guidance, not a determination for an address. Verify the current ordinance and permit record, primary-residence evidence, owner consent where relevant, and private restrictions before hosting. A lodging permit does not establish safe occupancy or legal construction of an accessory dwelling.